Jeddah: The emergency session of the Executive Committee of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) convened on Tuesday to deliberate on the ongoing Israeli actions against the Palestinian population and the targeting of sacred sites within the occupied territories.

According to Qatar News Agency, OIC Secretary-General Hussein Ibrahim Taha delivered a speech during the opening session, expressing grave concerns over the Israeli occupation’s strategy to exert control over the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron. He highlighted the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the Gaza Strip, labeling it a war crime and a blemish on humanity.

Taha emphasized the meeting’s focus on addressing a recent Israeli assault on the Islamic identity of Palestinian cities, particularly the removal of administrative and historical authority over the Ibrahimi Mosque from Palestinian oversight. He noted that this is part of a series of aggressions by Israel since its occupation of Hebron on June 8, 1967.

The Secretary-General reiterated the OIC’s rejection of the Israeli occupation’s plans to gain full control over the Ibrahimi Mosque, stressing the risks of Judaizing and altering its historical identity. He condemned the attacks on the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the destruction of religious sites in Gaza City, citing violations of human values and international agreements.

Taha called for enhanced international efforts to pressure Israel into a complete ceasefire, the reopening of crossings, the facilitation of humanitarian aid, and a full withdrawal from Gaza. He also urged support for the Palestinian government’s responsibilities and reconstruction efforts in the region.

Ambassador Hadi Shibli, the Permanent Representative of Palestine to the OIC, highlighted the severe challenges posed by the ongoing Israeli aggression against Palestinians and the targeting of sacred sites, especially the Ibrahimi Mosque. He described the devastating impact on the Gaza Strip, where over 250,000 individuals have been affected, with many women and children among the casualties.

Shibli stressed that Israel’s actions aim to render Gaza uninhabitable and outlined the extensive damage to infrastructure, including homes, schools, and religious sites. He called for international pressure on Israel to cease its economic measures against Palestinians, which he described as a form of economic genocide.

He urged OIC members to increase efforts and financial aid to bolster the Palestinian government’s capacity to support its people. This would involve activating an Islamic financial safety net as determined by previous summits and ministerial councils.